Bad weather set to clear

The heavy rain and severe thunderstorms that continue to lash Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, North West, Western Cape, Northern Cape and other parts of the country are expected to clear by tonight, according to the SA Weather Service.

Amid cold temperatures and countrywide heavy downpours, it is expected that people staying in informal settlements and low-lying areas will be the worst hit by floods.

The service urged people staying in flooded areas – particularly in KZN, where rain has reportedly led to devastation and loss of life due to severe storms – to “avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water has reached a level above ankles”.

“People should move to higher ground when there is flooding,” the service said in a statement.

“Pooling is causing slippery roads due to severe thunderstorms.

“We urge the public to follow regular updates on television, radio and in newspapers,” it warned.

It said people should by this afternoon expect damaging winds in some parts of the country and advised motorists to reduce speed.

“A gale force easterly to southeasterly wind measuring 35 knots to 40 knots is expected between Port Edward and Durban.

“Heavy rain, leading to localised flash flooding, is expected in places over the southern parts of Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality in the North West.”

Flooding was expected in the Western Cape town of Beaufort West and Vryburg in the North West – with the Atbara River overflowing its banks yesterday.

Forecaster Mbavhi Maliage said the biggest concern was the southern parts of the east coast experiencing severe conditions, including the parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Eastern Cape.

“But the weather is expected to clear out by [Wednesday[ evening”.